Local News: January 26, 2024

- Cornell releases draft policies on expressing and doxxing -

Cornell announced two interim policies on Wednesday that address what it’s calling “expressive activities” and doxxing. University president Martha Pollock states the new policy on expression will not override any existing policies about conduct. It sets rules for when and where activities can take place and what types of behavior are appropriate or not. For example, it prohibits interrupting or harassing invited speakers. The announcement says that the Student Code of Conduct already bans doxxing but the new policy will cover all members of the Cornell community. Members of Cornell’s Ithaca, AgriTech, and Cornell Tech campuses can provide feedback at a University Assembly meeting on Feb. 6.

- State program to help Section 8 participants is coming to Tompkins County -

A state housing program that helps people using Section 8 vouchers is coming to Tompkins County. The Albany Times Union reports that the Making Moves program helps people move into affordable housing in “better-resourced” neighborhoods. Better-resourced refers to things like better schools or a lower poverty rate. The program provides help with moving, financial counseling, and money for security deposits or home improvements.  It is already in Buffalo, Long Island, and Westchester County. Tompkins, Orange, and Dutchess counties are the latest to get the program. Making Moves officials say they hope to help 50 families in the three counties in the first year of the expansion.

- Area school districts among 44 in New York getting new federal funding -

Four area school districts are among 44 chosen to receive federal funding through the Stronger Connections Grant Program. The Elmira City school district will receive $2,993,000, Whitney Point has been awarded $1,704,000, Spencer-Van Etten will get $843,000, and the Dryden Central School District will get $206,000. The state education department announced the awards saying they were given to high-needs districts to help create safe and supportive learning opportunities. The districts will be doing that by preventing or responding to acts of bullying, violence, and hate that affect the school communities.